Cervix Cancer

The female uterus is connected to the vagina through an opening called the cervix.It is the connection between where a fetus lies to the birth canal.

Cervix cancer occurs in this region, generally in the area called the ‘transformation zone’. This transformation zone is the meddle region of a cervix.

Cervix cancer can be of two main types – the most common kind of cervical cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma. This kind of cancer is found when the squamous cells on the lining of the cervix closer to the vagina start producing too many cells that interfere with the actions of healthy cells. The other type, and one that is much rarer, is called adenocarcinoma, and is present when mucus secreting gland cells become cancerous. Adenocarcinoma has become a more common form in the past three decades.

Cervix cancer may be diagnosed more in those showing the following risk factors. But it is important to remember that exhibiting these risk factors does not mean you will definitely have cervix cancer. Being infected by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is said to increase your chances of getting cervix cancer greatly. HPV is more commonly known for the skin ailments it produces on different parts of the human body, from lips to genitalia. It is spread through skin-to-skin contact and so can be spread by intercourse, oral or anal sex.

The most common exam to find if you have been infected or not is called the Pap test. But it is important to know that having this virus does not mean you have cervix cancer. Another risk factor is said to be smoking. Researchers believe that carcinogens from tobacco smoke may alter the DNA of cervix cells, causing them to become cancerous. Other risk factors include the wrong diet, use of oral contraceptives in some case and even being affected by AIDS. Again, it is important to remember that having these risk factors does not necessarily mean you will have cervix cancer, but it is always better to do a few tests.

As with most other cancers, treatment can be done through surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. It is most common to be treated using a mixture of two of these methods, and it is always advisable to listen to what the doctor has to say about these treatments.